Region’s leading businesses discuss transport sector’s net zero journey at Chamber event
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Key opportunities and challenges around decarbonising the region’s transport network were explored at a Chamber event.
The Net Zero – Transport event, which was sponsored by train operator Lumo, saw industry experts from the region’s leading businesses discuss the practicalities of a greener transport network and how the businesses are achieving their sustainability goals.
Jack Ravenscroft, sustainability and carbon manager at Newcastle International Airport, said: “Net zero has never been done before. It’s a new and unchartered space and that’s why sessions like today are really great to share the challenges, successes and ideas in this important area.
“A key takeaway for me from this event is the level of optimism and excitement in the room. I think particularly with the new North East combined authority and how transport is top of the agenda, the opportunities are there.”
Newcastle Airport has reduced its carbon footprint by 31% since 2019, this is largely down to its solar farm, which, when working at peak capacity, generates 100% of the airport’s electricity.
To achieve their goal of becoming net zero by 2035, the airport has introduced various sustainability measures and was the first UK airport to introduce an electric bus. The team has been scoping low carbon alternatives to gas boilers, including heat pumps, either from disused underground mines or an air source.
Josh Parker, director at Wingrove Motor Company, shared the company’s journey to electric.
Josh said: “All car companies are bound by the Zero Emission Vehicle mandate and CO2 emissions regulation for new cars and vans in the UK. This means by 2035, every new vehicle that is taxed will need to be electric.
“The UK is moving in the right direction – there are now more electric vehicle charging points in UK than petrol stations.”
At the end of June 2024, there were 64,775 electric vehicle charging points across the UK, across 33,829 charging locations. This represents a year-on-year increase of 46% in the number of public devices.
Despite this, Josh added that future challenges remain around the electric vehicle industry. He said: “Battery range anxiety is a huge issue, and charging infrastructure will need further improving to support the growth of electric vehicles.
“The price of entry will need to continue to come down and residual values need to hold. Customers will need confidence in the long-term future of batteries, both in the switch to hydrogen and performance drop off.
“There also needs to be more economic benefits to being more sustainable.”
Richard Salkeld, head of communications and partnerships at Newcastle based, open access train operator Lumo, shared why he felt events such as Net Zero – Transport are so important, as well as the green measures adopted by the business to support the North East’s net zero journey.
Richard said: “We’re really pleased to be here today to share our story of sustainability as a provider of greener journeys, and to see what others are doing around the net zero agenda. Events like this help bring us all together to make a lasting change in the region.”
Lumo won the Green Innovation award at the Chamber’s recent Business Awards. The all-electric train company has adopted various measures to reduce its environmental impact, including all-digital systems, partnering with sustainable suppliers and providing environmental training to employees. Lumo became the UK’s first long-distance travel company to eliminate plastic bottles from its onboard food and drink offer.
All three event speakers identified challenges around net zero ambitions, including specialist expertise, new technology, grid connectivity, building adaptations, funding and planning considerations.
They agreed that, going forward, communication and collaboration between North East businesses is key, as well as a simplified approach to net zero messaging.
Josh said: “A group of businesses will pioneer our net zero agenda as we get closer to the 2050 deadline. The Chamber is key in that it can sit within that. Businesses that want to drive net zero will naturally speak to each other, we need to keep that engagement going.”
Richard agreed: “Partnerships are key to achieving sustainability goals, so it’s great to be having these conversations and to see what others are doing to learn from and celebrate.
“The North East doesn’t shout loudly enough about the great work that is being done here in the region. Platforms such as this are so important.”
Tim Marsden, knowledge manager at the Chamber, said: “The invaluable insights provided by our speakers at the net zero knowledge event were incredibly useful, and it was particularly good to see Chamber members from various sectors really connecting with what was being said – this better informs a forward look for the Chamber on this important topic.
“There’s clearly an appetite to do more around our net zero ambitions and the Chamber will continue to work with local and national government to ensure we as a region can achieve our sustainable transport goals.”
The Net Zero – Transport event took place on 23 July in Womble Bond Dickinson’s Newcastle office in The Spark building, which forms part of the Newcastle Helix.